Andrews highlighted strides area businesses have taken recently - ranging from green energy to biotech. He also defended his use of campaign funds - the subject of an investigation by the House Committee on Ethics.

Andrews spent privately-donated campaign money on things many would deem questionable - namely donations to theaters in which his daughter performed and a wedding in Scotland, among others.

When asked if he regretted any of the expenditures or thought any might be borderline, his answer was a confident “No.”

“Campaigns pay tens of thousands of dollars for that, and he volunteered,” Andrews said. “It was a way of thanking him.

“There will be a decision (from Congressional investigators) on that,” Andrews continued, “but I think it’s clear that it is legal.”

The Congressman was also asked about donations from his campaign coffers to theaters in which his daughter was awarded roles.

He said he’s given to many different theaters and other arts groups with an impact on South Jersey.

“In many situations, my daughter has worked at theaters and we haven’t given them a dollar,” Andrews said.

As for any in which she did perform - “Why should a group be prohibited from getting donations because my daughter has something to do with them?” the Congressman posed.

“The law specifically authorizes contributions to arts groups,” he continued. “The Walnut Street Theater has an education outreach program to which we’ve donated for a long time.

Andrews further pointed out that theater groups help educate students on cultural issues, antibullying, drug abuse and other issues.

“We’ve given to them because we think they do much for the community, and will continue to do so,” he added.

When asked about time spent on defending himself in the ongoing Congressional inquiry, Andrews said it’s taken very little time from his normal rounds.

“They ask us questions, and we send them answers,” he said. “I spend 95 percent of my time out with my constituents doing my job.

On the economic front, Andrews cited progress in construction of the LS Power plant in West Deptford Township. Officials broke ground in February for the natural gas-fueled electric plant.

Andrews said he supported energy credits allowing the plant to sell power back to the grid following federal regulation hurdles.

The Congressman also said grants have helped pave the way making refineries and factories along the Delaware River more efficient and productive.

They included grants to repair Pennsauken’s aged Delair Bridge and update the rail line all the way to Salem. Andrews stressed he worked with U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R, 2) on such grants, which also included providing a faster freight rail.

Andrews further cited support for the Small Business Administration (SBA).

“In the last two years, in Gloucester County alone, 68 SBA loans and loan guarantees have added $31 million helping small businesses,” he said.

To increase employment in New Jersey, he laid out a three-point plan. First on the list - “Start producing energy in our state and stop buying so much overseas oil,” Andrews said.

He suggests more solar panels, as with LS Power. He also supports energy production of wind turbines off the Jersey coast near Atlantic City, he added, among other examples.

Second - “Exploit our advantage in bioscience,” Andrews listed. A prime example, he said, is the new Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, which he called “a Godsend for this kind of possibility.”

Those factors and others combine, Andrews said, with his district’s spot right about in the center of the nation’s Megalopolis.

“There’s a reason (President Lyndon) Johnson met with (Soviet Premier) Alexei Kosygin at Hollybush in 1967,” the Congressman said of a summit between the superpower leaders held at what was then Glassboro State College.

“Because this area is almost exactly half way between New York and Washington.

“Six percent of the money spent in the world this year will be spent within a 100-mile radius of this building,” he said, in relation to the Gloucester County Times office in Woodbury.

That, he stresses, is plenty of reason to build on emerging industries, right here in Gloucester County.